Ecclesiastes 2:22

KJV

For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

KJV (with Strong's)

For what hath {H1933} man {H120} of all his labour {H5999}, and of the vexation {H7475} of his heart {H3820}, wherein {H1931} he hath laboured {H6001} under the sun {H8121}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For what does a person get from all his efforts and ambitions permeating the work he does under the sun?

Berean Standard Bible

For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?

American Standard Version

For what hath a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboreth under the sun?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:22 encapsulates the Preacher's profound and often melancholic inquiry into the ultimate profit and lasting satisfaction derived from human toil and mental anguish when life is viewed solely from an earthly perspective. It questions the enduring value of all human striving, wealth accumulation, and intellectual pursuits, concluding that without a divine orientation, such efforts yield only weariness and a deep sense of unfulfillment. This verse serves as a climactic rhetorical question following Solomon's extensive personal experiments, highlighting the pervasive theme of vanity that permeates the book.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:22 concludes a significant section (Ecclesiastes 2:1-23) where the Preacher, identified as King Solomon, meticulously details his grand "experiment" in seeking satisfaction apart from God. He systematically pursued every conceivable earthly pleasure and achievement: building projects, accumulating vast wealth, enjoying lavish entertainment, and even delving into wisdom (Ecclesiastes 2:4-10). Despite achieving unparalleled success in all these endeavors, he repeatedly found them to be "vanity and a striving after wind" ([Ecclesiastes 2:11](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - All Is Vanity")). The immediate verses preceding 2:22, specifically [Ecclesiastes 2:18-21](/ecclesiastes/2-18 "Ecclesiastes 2:18-21 - The Futility of Labor for an Heir"), express his particular frustration concerning the ephemeral nature of his legacy, lamenting that all his hard-won possessions must be left to an heir who may be foolish or undeserving. Verse 22, therefore, acts as a summary rhetorical question, drawing a stark conclusion about the ultimate emptiness of such labor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who reigned over Israel during its golden age (c. 970-931 BC). This period was marked by immense wealth, peace, and significant architectural achievements, providing the backdrop for Solomon's "experiment." The cultural milieu was that of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, which often explored life's big questions, the nature of suffering, and the pursuit of a good life. However, Ecclesiastes distinguishes itself by its unique, often cynical, perspective on human endeavor "under the sun." The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: *tachat hashamesh*) is a signature idiom of Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times. It signifies a worldview limited to earthly experience, human reason, and observable phenomena, deliberately excluding divine revelation or eternal perspective. This limited viewpoint is crucial for understanding the Preacher's initial conclusions about life's futility.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the **Futility of Earthly Labor and Accumulation**. Despite immense effort, the Preacher finds no lasting profit or joy in worldly achievements, as they are all subject to the ravages of time and the uncertainty of inheritance. This resonates with the book's opening declaration that "all is vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")). Secondly, the mention of "vexation of his heart" highlights the theme of **Inner Disquiet and Dissatisfaction**. The relentless pursuit of earthly success often leads not to contentment but to anxiety, worry, and spiritual emptiness, a truth explored throughout the Preacher's journey (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:18](/ecclesiastes/1-18 "Ecclesiastes 1:18 - Increased Knowledge, Increased Sorrow")). Finally, the recurring phrase "under the sun" emphasizes the **Limited Human Perspective**. The Preacher's initial conclusions about life's meaninglessness are drawn from a viewpoint confined to the temporal and material, a perspective that ultimately needs to be transcended by a God-centered worldview, as the book's conclusion suggests ([Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl'_):** This word (H5999) signifies more than mere work; it denotes "toil," "wearing effort," "worry," or even "grievance" and "painful" exertion. It carries the connotation of burdensome, often fruitless, striving, highlighting the wearisome and often sorrowful nature of human activity when pursued without an eternal perspective.
* **vexation (Hebrew, _raʻyôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "desire" or "striving," this term (H7475) in this context refers to "vexation," "striving of spirit," or "longing of heart." It speaks to the mental distress, inner turmoil, and deep dissatisfaction that accompanies the relentless pursuit of worldly gains, emphasizing the emotional and psychological cost of such endeavors.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word (H3820) is a comprehensive term in Hebrew, encompassing not just the physical organ but, more importantly, the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and the core of one's being. The "vexation of his heart" thus refers to a profound internal anguish, a deep-seated disquiet that affects the entire person, not just a superficial annoyance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For what hath man":** This opening phrase poses a direct, rhetorical question, challenging the very premise of human endeavor. It immediately sets a tone of skepticism regarding the ultimate gain or profit (Hebrew: *yithron*, often translated "profit" or "advantage" in Ecclesiastes) from life's pursuits.
* **"of all his labour":** This refers to the entirety of one's strenuous efforts, toil, and work. It encompasses all the physical and mental exertion expended in acquiring wealth, knowledge, pleasure, or building projects, as detailed in the preceding verses of [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - Solomon's Experiment").
* **"and of the vexation of his heart":** This clause emphasizes the emotional and psychological cost of such labor. It points to the anxiety, frustration, disappointment, and inner turmoil that accompany the striving for worldly achievements, suggesting that these pursuits often bring more distress than delight.
* **"wherein he hath laboured under the sun?":** This concluding phrase reinforces the limited, earthly perspective from which the question is asked. "Under the sun" is the Preacher's signature idiom, signifying a view of life confined to the temporal realm, without reference to God's ultimate purposes or eternal realities. It implies that from this purely human, secular viewpoint, all the effort and emotional distress ultimately yield no lasting, meaningful advantage.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:22 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which is not intended to elicit an answer but to provoke deep thought and emphasize the Preacher's conclusion about the futility of life "under the sun." The question itself is a form of **Interrogatio**, powerfully conveying a sense of despair and meaninglessness. The phrase "**under the sun**" is a recurring **Idiom** throughout Ecclesiastes, serving as a constant reminder of the limited, earthly perspective from which the Preacher's observations are made. This idiom functions as a **Leitwort** (a guiding word or phrase) that structures the book's argument. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the word "labour" (Hebrew: *ʻâmâl* and *ʻâmêl*) within the verse ("all his labour... wherein he hath laboured") underscores the ceaseless, burdensome nature of human effort and highlights the Preacher's weariness with it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:22 serves as a stark theological commentary on the human condition when divorced from its Creator. It posits that without God as the ultimate source of meaning and purpose, all human striving, no matter how grand or successful, culminates in emptiness and vexation. This verse challenges the idolatry of achievement and accumulation, revealing them as false gods that promise satisfaction but deliver only weariness and a deep spiritual void. The Preacher's conclusion is not nihilistic but rather a necessary step in demonstrating the insufficiency of all earthly pursuits to provide ultimate meaning, thereby preparing the reader for the book's final, God-centered resolution. True "profit" or lasting advantage is found not in what one gains "under the sun," but in fearing God and keeping His commandments.

* [Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")
* [Psalm 39:6](/psalms/39-6 "Psalm 39:6 - Man's Life as a Mere Breath")
* [Luke 12:16](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:22 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for contemporary life, especially in cultures that often equate success with material wealth, career advancement, and endless activity. It compels us to pause and critically examine the true nature and ultimate destination of our efforts. Are we, like the Preacher, investing our most precious resources—time, energy, and mental focus—into pursuits that, in the grand scheme of eternity, will yield no lasting profit or genuine peace? This verse challenges the prevailing narrative that more is always better, suggesting instead that relentless striving without a transcendent purpose can lead to profound dissatisfaction and an aching heart. It invites us to consider if our "labour" is truly building something eternal, or merely accumulating "vexation" that will pass away. The wisdom here is not to cease working, but to reorient our work and desires towards that which truly endures and brings spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary "labours" in my life, and what is the ultimate "profit" I expect from them?**
* **In what ways does my pursuit of earthly success or accumulation lead to "vexation of heart" rather than true contentment?**
* **How does my perspective on life align with or differ from the "under the sun" viewpoint, and how does this influence my daily choices?**
* **What would it look like to reorient my efforts towards pursuits that have eternal significance, rather than merely temporal gain?**

### FAQ

**What does "under the sun" mean in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: *tachat hashamesh*) is a signature idiom used repeatedly throughout Ecclesiastes. It refers to a perspective on life that is limited to human experience, observation, and understanding within the earthly realm, without reference to God's ultimate sovereignty, eternal purposes, or divine revelation. It's a viewpoint that considers only what can be seen and experienced from a purely human, temporal vantage point, leading the Preacher to conclude that much of life is "vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - What Profit Has a Man?")).

**Does Ecclesiastes promote a pessimistic or cynical view of life?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes certainly presents a candid and often melancholic assessment of life's futility when viewed "under the sun," its ultimate purpose is not to promote pessimism but to guide the reader toward true wisdom. The Preacher systematically dismantles every earthly source of meaning (pleasure, wealth, wisdom, labor) to show their inadequacy, thereby clearing the way for the only lasting solution: a life lived in humble reverence and obedience to God ([Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")). It's a realism that points to a higher truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 2:22, with its profound question about the ultimate profit of human labor and vexation, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Preacher's lament over the futility of striving "under the sun" perfectly sets the stage for the coming of the One who offers true and lasting rest. While human efforts often lead to weariness and an aching heart, Jesus invites, "Come to [Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the true "profit" that man can gain, for in Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures")). The "vexation of heart" that earthly pursuits bring is replaced by the peace that surpasses all understanding, which is found in Christ ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Our labor, when done for the Lord, is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain")), for our true treasure is not "under the sun" but in heaven, where Christ is seated ([Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). He transforms meaningless toil into purposeful service, offering eternal significance where the Preacher found only vanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 1:3

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

Psalms 127:2

[It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Ecclesiastes 4:6

Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit.

1 Timothy 6:8

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.